When I stepped into this new role as mayor of Glenwood Springs, I quoted Teddy Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” In addition to being my motto for the next two years, I think it captures what your City Council is all about.

Now having served three months as mayor, I felt it would be helpful to share an overview of what this role and City Council’s role actually entail — and what they don’t — within Glenwood Springs’ council-manager system.

Our city government structure

The mayor is one of seven City Council members, each elected to represent the citizens of Glenwood Springs and make decisions on their behalf. While the mayor is the top city official, they do not have more legislative power than other council members. Rather they run the procedural parts of city council meetings and serve as the primary spokesperson and ceremonial head of the city.

In Glenwood Springs, administrative authority is given to the city manager, who is appointed by City Council and acts as the city government’s chief executive. The mayor and councilors work closely with the city manager to stay informed, share the council’s priorities, communicate public concerns, and guide policy actions. Our City Council has only has three employees: the city manager, city attorney, and the municipal judge.

Unlike mayors of some large cities who may have direct control over departments and staff, City Council does not have executive control over city operations. That responsibility lies with the city manager, who supervises city staff, manages budgets, and oversees the delivery of city services.

This common framework, known as a council-manager form of government, promotes balance, transparency, and professional management. It ensures that elected officials focus on representing the public and setting policy and strategic priorities, while trained and specialized staff implement those policies and priorities.

The most significant policy document set each year is the city’s annual budget which is collaboratively assembled by city staff and city council. The budget process typically begins in July and goes before the council for final adoption in October.

Guided by municipal code and the city charter

The City of Glenwood Springs is ruled by the municipal code which includes the city charter. The charter is like our own constitution and cannot be updated or changed without voter input and approval. The city charter defines the government structure, powers, and functions. It even outlines what can’t be done and sets policy guardrails. Both elected members of the city council and members of city staff are required to adhere to state and federal laws and the rules and policies included in the municipal code and charter.

Community representatives

City councilors also represent Glenwood at the regional, state, and federal level – coordinating with others on shared concerns such as transportation and housing. We take care to build relationships which help us advocate for policies and funding opportunities that would benefit our residents.

The role of government in economic development

The city plays a supportive role in shaping the business landscape but cannot control private business decisions, including when or where retailers choose to open stores. The city can influence business attraction efforts through zoning, infrastructure, and incentives, but we do not pick or place specific businesses to operate in the city.

The city can ensure that zoning codes allow for a desired use on that land, but it’s ultimately up to the business to determine if it’s a viable location for its operations. Even when properties are zoned correctly, the retailer must still be willing to negotiate leases or land purchases with private owners. The decision to open or relocate in Glenwood Springs is ultimately up to the private business.

As an example, we also would love another grocery store and think that there is significant demand for another grocer to be successful. We continually make that pitch to grocers, supported by plenty of economic data, and we hope that message will be heard by an organization that would be a good fit for our community.

A full-service city

Glenwood Springs is a “full-service” city, meaning that the city provides almost all municipal services to our residents instead of being managed by a private company or other government entity.

The city organization is responsible for delivering high-quality operations for the following services: police; fire district; parks and trails; recreation and special events; community center and arts center management; trash and recycling; landfill and recycle center management; broadband; water and sewer operations; and electric utilities.

These services are in addition to other typical municipal operations, including streets and infrastructure, finance, municipal court, city clerk, building and planning, economic development, engineering, and transportation. Plus, internally facing services to keep everything moving including human resources, information technology, facilities, and fleet.

Your role in city government

City Council is eager to serve and support the community. We encourage you to participate by staying informed, getting involved, and sharing your thoughts. You are always invited to reach out to city councilors and staff if you have questions or feedback. Find all the ways to connect with the city at cogs.us/connect or email us at CityCouncil@cogs.us.

Marco Dehm is the Mayor for the City of Glenwood Springs and has served on City Council since 2022. Dehm previously served as Mayor Pro-tem from 2023-2025 and served multiple volunteer terms as chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission.